English Beagle

Introduction:
The place of origin of Beagle is England. But its ancestors are possibly from France or Greece. The dog is a hound breed. Today it is used for filed trails and trailing or pursuing rabbits.  The life span of the breed is 12-13 years.  It is also called as English Beagle.



Origin / History:

• The Beagle is one of the most popular scent hounds
• The Beagle was developed in great Britain about 150 years ago
• In 1884, Beagle was accepted as a breed by  the American Kennel Club
• Beagles boast a 90% accuracy in sniffing out contraband at airports
• From 1953 to 1959 the Beagle was ranked number one on the list of the American Kennel Club's registered breeds
• In 2005 and 2006 they ranked 5th out of the 155 breeds registered

Nature / qualities:
The Beagle is brave, intelligent and very sociable. They are one of the most expressive breeds. They are generally good with other dogs. On the other hand they should not be trusted with non-canine pets because of their hunting instincts.  The Beagles are sweet, gentle, lively and very curious dog.  They have one of the strongest noses in doghom.  They very possessive of food, they won’t leave food left in the kitchen.  They are very happy dogs. They would become disastrous if enough time and stimulation is not given to them. They have become popular family pets because of their calm and nature. They are always ready to learn.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Beagle is 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) and the weight is22-25 pounds. The height of the Female Beagle is 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) and the weight is 20-23 pounds (9-10 kg). The Beagle is a small dog and lean dog. It is slightly longer than it tall. They have brown or hazel eyes that show pleading expression.  The nose is black, showing full nostrils for scenting.  They have long and wide ears. The tail is high and tight.  The color of the breed is any hound color; most common are black, tan and white; red and white; and pale tan and white. Feet and tail tip should be white.

Health Concerns:
The Beagle is naturally strong and healthy breed.  But some are prone to epilepsy, heart disease, eye and back problems, chondroplasia.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is required for this breed.  The toenails should be clipped. The teeth and ears should be kept clean to prevent infections. Proper amount of physical and mental exercises should be given to them.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 600 USD

Advantages:

• The Beagles loves everyone, a happy little tail-wagger
• Excellent with children 

Disadvantages:

• They become very much destructive and bark obsessively when left alone

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Basenji - African Bush Dog

Introduction:
The place of origin of Basenji is Zaire. The dog is a hound breed. Today it is used as lure coursing. The life span of Basenji is 10-14 years. The Basenji is also called as African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Congo Dog, Zande Dog.



Origin / History:

• The early Basenjis were brought from Central Africa to Egyptian pharaohs as gifts
• The credit for development of Basenji goes to Veronica Tudor Williams, who traveled through the remotest areas of Africa in search of specimens to better the strain
• The Basenjis were used as hunting dogs, pointing, retrieving,  and bolting prey
• Basenji resembles those dogs portrayed in tomb paintings from ancient Egypt 
• In 1934 the Basenjis were brought to Europe under the name of Congo dog
• In 1943 the Basenji was recognized by the American Kennel Club

Nature / qualities:
The Basenjis are very intelligent, alert and energetic dogs. They have close and strong bond with their family members and are very affectionate. They are distrustful to strangers and will circle them like prey if they are not supervised. They are very protective to their home and owners.  They need lots of exercise. If not given they become destructive. They are very playful dogs, so they love to run and climb over. If the owner likes to keep them in, then they need to have a high fence, as they like to climb. They are reserved with strangers and socialize well. They are not trusted with non-canine pets. They do not bark, but may yodel, howl, grow, or crow.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Male Basenji is 16-17 inches (41-43 cm) and the weight is 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg). The height of the Female Basenji is 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) and the weight is 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg).  The Basenji is a muscular, medium size and lightly built dog. The head is flat and wrinkled. The eyes are almond shaped and dark hazel to dark brown in color.  The nose is black in color. The ears are small and erect.  The tail curled and set high.  They have small and compact feet. The color of the Basenji is Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip.

Health Concerns:
The Basenji is prone to Fanconi's syndrome (kidney problems), which must be treated the moment the symptoms are noticed. They are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is recommended.  They need lots of exercise to remain healthy.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1200 USD

Advantages:

• The Basenjis are patient and eager to please
• They are well with older children as compared to young ones 

Disadvantages:

• They chase small animals as they do not like and catch and kill them if given chance
• They do not get along with other dogs

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Australian Terrier - Aussie

Introduction:
The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia. The dog is a terrier breed, especially used as a earth dog. The life span of the Australian Terrier is 12-14 years.  It is also called as Aussie as its nick name.



Origin / History:

• The Australian Terrier was developed in the 19th century by Australians
• The Australian Terrier was welcomed for his skills  at dispatching the hated rabbit and killing the snakes
• Aussie dogs and their shrill barks were also once ideal for their use as watchdogs on a frontier that still contained real dangers, well into the 20th century.

Nature / qualities:
The Australian Terrier is courageous, vigilant and alert dog. They like to bark.  They are quick learners. They are brave, lively and self-confident.  They become happy when able to romp and play. They are people friendly and enjoy interacting with people.  They are usually good with older children.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Australian Terrier is 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) and weight is 9-14 pounds (4-6 kg). The Australian Terrier is a small and sturdy dog.  The eyes are small with dark brown and black color. The nose is dark.  They have small ears that are erect and pointed.  The tail is docked to half its length and it is carried high but not over the back. The color of the breed may be blue with tan markings, clear sandy or red.

Health Concerns:
The Australian Terrier is generally a healthy breed that lives many years.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing should be done nicely and also some trimming around the feet and ears will keep this dog look neat and clean.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 475 USD

Advantages:

• They are excellent vermin destroyers  
• It is beloved and faithful house pet

Disadvantages:

• They are stubborn
• Do not tolerate teasing from children
• They are dog-aggressive with other terriers

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Australian Shepherd - Little blue dog

Introduction:
The Australian Shepherd dog was originated in the Basque region of Pyrenees, United States. It is a herding breed, used for herding trails and sheep herding. The life span of the Australian Shepherd is 14-16 years.  It is also called as Aussie or little blue dog as its nick name.



Origin / History:
The Australian Shepherd dog was developed in the 19th and the earlier 20th centuries
European settlers immigrating to the United States brought over many herding breeds to take care of the livestock
After World War II, they were used regularly in Western movies, television shows
The Australian Shepherd Club of America ASCA was founded in 1957 to promote the breed
In 1975, ASCA created a breed standard, by describing how this breed looks like
They became popular as performing dogs in rodeos

Nature / qualities:
The Australian Shepherd dog is intelligent, active and protective dog.  Aussies are used as hearing dogs for the deaf. They are eager to learn new tricks.  They are good natured. They love to play with the family members.  They love to be among the family. Some of them may try to herd the children by nipping at their heels.  Otherwise they are good with children.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Australian Shepherd dog is 20-23 inches (52-58 cm) and the weight is 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg).  The height of the Female Australian Shepherd dog is 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) and the weight is 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg). The Australian Shepherd dog is a well-built, medium-size, athletic dog.  The skull is slightly rounded and the head is strong.  The eyes are almond-shaped and blue, amber in color, or any combination, including flecks or marbling.  They have dark nose. The ears are dropped and triangular in shape.  The four inches tail is straight and docked. The acceptable color of the body of the breed is solid red, solid black, blue merle and red merle, with or without white and/or tan markings. The front legs are strong and straight.

Health Concerns:
The major health of the Australian Shepherd dog is cataract, CEA. Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, iris coloboma. Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM, hip dysplasia

Grooming:
Weekly brushing should be done and it should be increased during the summer. Daily exercise must be given to this breed.  Also lots of exercise and training is recommended.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 400 USD

Advantages:

• The Aussies are working dog
• They are delightful companions

Disadvantages:

• They are distrustful to strangers

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Australian Cattle Dog - Blue Heeler

Introduction:
The Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the country Australia.  The dog is a herding breed, especially used as herding trails and cattle herding. The life span of the Australian Cattle Dog is 10-13 years.  The other names used for this breed is ACD, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler.



Origin / History:

• Robert Kaleski  drew up first breed standard for the Cattle Dog in 1902
• The Australian Cattle Dogs has developed into one of the most popular breeds of dog in Australia
• They were bred for endurance, toughness and herding abilities
• In 1979, the American Kennel  Club took over the breed registry in US
• The American Cattle Dog was fully recognized in  1980

Nature / qualities:
The American Cattle Dogs are loyal to their owners.  They are very intelligent and love to work willingly. They are brave, hardy, active and alert breed.  They are usually reserved with strangers. But they bark less.  They stuck to you like glue once they accept you as a friend. So they are also to as Velcro or shadow dogs.  They are brave and trustful by nature.  It is a one person dog. They are suspicious of people and dogs because they have very dominant nature.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male American Cattle Dog is 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) and the weight is 32-35 pounds (15-16 kg). The height of the Female American Cattle Dog is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) and the weight is 30-35 pounds (14-16 kg). The American Cattle Dog is longer than it is tall. The American Cattle Dog is a well-built, powerful and muscular dog.  The head is strong and broad.  The eyes are in almond shape and brown in color. The nose is black in color. The ears are erect and medium in length.  They have a long, brush tail. The color of the breed is blue or red speckled.

Health Concerns:
The American Cattle Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA. The merle colored dogs is prone to deafness.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is recommended.  Also daily brushing should be done during spring shedding season.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 850 USD

Advantages:

• The American Cattle Dogs are excellent guard dogs
• Easy to train due to their high level of intelligence

Disadvantages:

• The American Cattle Dog is hard headed and stubborn
• They can be very dog aggressive
• Not good dog with children, unless they are known to children since puppyhood

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